Will It Fit In My Car?

The Diono Radian 3RXT is known for its slim profile. Parents looking to install three car seats in a row usually resort to the Diono Radian 3RXT (or 3RX and 3R).

The Maxi Cosi Magellan Max, although wider, has a movable “torso” (body). There is a sign in the sides of the seat as to what position you should set it to adjust to the passenger’s requirements, and therefore “saves” a little space, rear-facing-wise.

The 3RXT is tall by default. It can save space in the rear-facing by putting an angle adjuster.

There is no need to utilize a pool noodle or a rolled towel when installing the Diono Radian 3RXT. But that doesn’t exempt it from being tricky to install.

Parents looking to get any of these two seats must have longer patience to exhaust. As of writing this review, there are more available useful installation video resources for 3RXT (RXT), compared to the video resources for installing the Magellan Max. Therefore, there are more frustrated Magellan Max users when it comes to installation.

I have read the manual of the Magellan, and the installation needs you to pay attention to unexpected reminders like remove the cupholder first before removing the seat pad so you can see the rear-facing belt path. I have enumerated the step by step installation guides in my review of the Magellan Max.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on https://www.amazon.com/ at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Safety

Diono Radian 3RXT

Maxi Cosi Magellan Max

Steel Frame:

Yes

No

Five-Point Harness?

Yes

Side Impact Tested:

Yes

Approved For Airplane Use:

Yes

Easy To Buckle And Unbuckle?

Yes

Relatively

The Diono Radian 3RXT has a full steel frame to withstand the real-world crash forces. As a counterpart, Maxi Cosi Magellan Max has the “Air Protect” technology, which acts as side airbags in the event of a collision.

The Magellan Max’s 5-point harness is improved. It is “spring assisted” so it stays up and doesn’t get in the way as you put your child in the seat. The chest clip is magnetic. Using one hand can let you easily open and close the chest clip, too. Despite this, unbuckling the crotch area needs you to press hard on the red button to release the lower buckle tongues.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on https://www.amazon.com/ at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Compare The Price Difference

Diono Radian 3RXT

Maxi Cosi Magellan Max

Conclusion

There is an approximately USD 100 price difference between the Diono Radian 3RXT and the Maxi Cosi Magellan Max. The Magellan Max is more expensive.

Let’s see what the added USD100 is for.

It has a movable torso and therefore can be shorter in the rear-facing mode.

It has a spring-assisted 5-point harness, a useful feature for parents who don’t want to keep digging for the straps as they buckle their children up.

The magnetic chest clip is a feature that is for the convenience of the parents while being unintuitive for children to release.

It is more padded.

It has “Air Protect” technology.

It is a little “lighter.”

It has a no-rethread seat harness.

It has a longer expiration date.

Now let’s see what you get from saving your money and going for the Diono Radian 3RXT.

It has a higher rear-facing height limit.

It has a higher rear-facing weight limit.

It has a higher forward-facing height limit.

It has a full steel frame.

You can fit three in a row because of its slim profile.

You don’t need to use pool noodles when installing.

It’s easier to release your child from being buckled up.

The extended rear-facing capacity of the 3RXT is a well-known reason why parents go after it, despite being tricky to install and its other shortcomings.

I noticed that parents who are looking for a more comfortable ride often go for heavily padded seats and Maxi Cosi is well-known to provide such comfort.

While the comfort and the safety of the little passenger are the two of the most important things to consider when choosing a car seat, we should not forget the ease of installation for parents, too. Both seats are not necessarily delivering the 3rd mentioned requirement.

Luckily for the Diono Radian 3RXT (RXT), it has been in the market for years now. And useful installation videos for RXT (older model) are everywhere – which are still applicable when installing the new model 3RXT.

Being relatively new in the market compared to the 3RXT, Maxi Cosi needs to keep up by providing useful resources for the parents if they want to sell more Magellan Max. Parents curse when installing it due to lack of video resources. While pointing you to the manual will help a lot, I am sure not all will do it.

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